Two-way hingeless ventilator

ABSTRACT

A hingeless ventilator comprises a frame defining two openings surrounded by a seating rim, which is surrounded by a door recess. A pair of upright sleeves is disposed between the openings, and each upright sleeve defines an exterior track surface. A door is disposed to face the outer surface of the frame and has a main body configured to be selectively positionable to cover and uncover both of the openings and defines a lip surrounding the periphery thereof and extending generally perpendicularly to the main body. Two door struts connected to the door extend through the frame openings and hold a handle that has rollers that are biased against the exterior track surfaces of the sleeves.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to currently U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 61/592,270, filed Jan. 30, 2012, which ishereby incorporated herein by this reference for all purposes.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to hingeless ventilators and inparticular to two-way hingeless ventilators.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Two-way hingeless ventilators are known and in common use in thesleeping compartments of long-haul truck cabs for example. Many suchventilators are rectangular in shape. If one considers the ventilator'slonger dimension to define the ventilator's roll axis and theventilator's shorter dimension that is perpendicular to the ventilator'slonger dimension to define the ventilator's pitch axis, then the thirddimension defining the ventilator's thickness would define the so-calledyaw axis that is perpendicular to both the roll axis and the pitch axis.Ideally, the user should pull on the ventilator's handle so as to havethe handle rotate about the ventilator's roll axis. Repeated opening andclosing of such ventilators can cause wear such that rough handlingduring movement of the handle can cause the door of the ventilator tobecome misaligned and/or dislodged from proper seating on the surfacesthat surround the opening and face the door. Moreover, if the user pullson the ventilator's handle so as to impart rotation about theventilator's roll axis and/or the ventilator's yaw axis, the effortrequired to move the door into different positions can be significantand result in over rotation of the handle past the desired positioningof the angle of the door with respect to the exterior of the truck cab.Attempts to compensate for such less than ideal operation of theventilator over prolonged periods have involved use of additionalcomponents such as brackets, spanner washers, nuts, etc., whichundesirably add additional cost and complexity, both to the ventilatoritself and to the process of making the ventilator.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Aspects and advantages of the present disclosure are set forth below inthe following description, or may be obvious from the description, ormay be learned through practice of the invention.

To achieve the objects and in accordance with the purpose of theinvention, as embodied and broadly described herein, an embodiment of atwo-way hingeless ventilator comprises a generally planar-shaped frameextending generally in a first plane and having opposite inner and outersurfaces parallel to one another. The frame can further define a pair ofspaced apart openings. As described more fully below, the ventilatorincludes a door that is configured to cover and close off the openingswhen the door is disposed in the closed position. The ventilator alsoincludes a handle that the operator manipulates to move the door betweenthe closed position and any of the various open positions. Typically,the ventilator will be installed so that the door faces the outsideenvironment and the handle is disposed in the environment that issheltered from the elements like weather in the outside environment.

The door of the ventilator includes a main body that has a generallyplanar inner surface that is disposed to face the outer surface of theframe. The door is configured to be positioned selectively at the desireof the operator to cover and uncover both of the openings in the frame.A pair of side-by side door struts can be connected to the main body ofthe door and desirably to the inner surface of the door. Each of thedoor struts desirably extends in a direction generally perpendicular tothe plane of the inner surface of the door and is disposed so as toextend from the inner surface of the door and through one of theopenings in the frame. Each of the door struts defines therein aY-shaped cutout defined in at least one door strut extending through oneof the openings in the frame. At least one of the upright sleevesdesirably defines a guide stop that extends through the Y-shaped cutoutthat is defined in at least the one door strut extending through the oneof the openings in the frame. Each of the door struts desirably definestherein a first elongated cutout that elongates desirably in a directionthat is perpendicular to the plane of the inner surface of the door.

The hingeless ventilator includes a handle that is connected between thetwo door struts and defining an upper body and a lower body. Thehandle's upper body is desirably configured with a gripping surface forthe hand of an operator to facilitate manipulation and movement of thehandle by the operator. The lower body of the handle defines a hollowinner chamber that is disposed between the two opposite sides of thehandle. Each side of the handle defines an elongated slot thatcommunicates with the inner chamber and has a first upper end and afirst lower end that is disposed opposite the first upper end. Anelongated axle is disposed so as to extend through the hollow innerchamber of the handle. Each opposite end of the axle is configured so asto be slideably held in the one of the elongated cutouts of one of thedoor struts. The axle is biased toward the first lower ends of the slotsthat are defined through the sides of the lower body of the handle. Thiscan be accomplished by one or more springs disposed in the inner chamberof the handle.

In one embodiment the ventilator can include a pair of upright sleeves,one upright sleeve disposed between one of the two openings in theframe, and the other upright sleeve disposed between the other of thetwo openings in the frame. Each of the upright sleeves desirably isconnected to the inner surface of the frame by one of a respective pairof uprights. The uprights and upright sleeves and can extend in adirection that is generally perpendicular to the inner surface of theframe. Each of the upright sleeves desirably can be disposed andconfigured to be mounted snugly over a respective one of the uprights.

Each of the upright sleeves desirably can define a path having anexterior track surface that includes a forward edge and a rearward edgedisposed opposite the forward edge. Each of the exterior track surfacesincludes an apex surface at the highest point in the path and disposedbetween the forward edge and the rearward edge. The forward edge and therearward edge desirably define a shape that tapers towards the apexsurface of the upright sleeve. Each of the forward edge and the rearwardedge of the exterior track surface desirably defines a plurality ofindents.

A roller is rotatably mounted on each end of the axle and is biased bythe same force that biases the axle in the handle so that the rollersare kept contacting the exterior track surfaces of the upright sleevesin the frame. Thus, the rollers provide a rolling engagement between thehandle that is attached to the door and the upright sleeves that areattached to the frame. Relative movement between the handle and theframe effects correspondingly different positions of the door relativeto the two openings in the frame. The shape of the rollers desirablyconforms to the shapes of the indents in the exterior track surfaces ofthe upright sleeves of the frame.

The door desirably defines a lip that surrounds the periphery of themain body of the door and extends in a direction that generally isperpendicular to the generally planar inner surface of the main body ofthe door and thus can be thought of as forming a skirt around the edgeof the main body of the door. A resiliently deformable gasket desirablycan be disposed on and cover most of the inner surface of the door andextend so as to butt against the inner surface of the lip that surroundsthe main body of the door and provides a seal against the sealing rim ofthe frame as well as serving a sound-deadening function by preventingsurfaces of the door from touching surfaces of the frame and therebygenerating wear, damage and annoying noises.

The frame desirably defines a seating rim that surrounds the openingsand that defines a plurality of dimples. Each dimple is formed desirablyas a raised portion that is symmetrically disposed as part of theoutwardly facing wall that in part defines the seating rim of the outersurface of the frame. The dimples of the seating rim desirably will bedisposed on each of the longer lengths that define the seating rimparallel to the pivoting axis of the door of the ventilator. The outersurface of the frame also desirably defines a door recess that isconfigured to surround the seating rim to provide space for the lip ofthe door to pivot within during movements of the door to variouspositions of relatively uncovering the openings of the frame.

At least one door glide desirably can be connected to a portion of thelip of the door and disposed in registry with at least one of thedimples of the seating rim. Moreover, the door glides desirably will bedisposed on the two longer lengths that define the lip of the door andin registry with the dimples of the seating rim. Desirably, a separatedoor glide is provided on the lip of the door in registry with each oneof the dimples of the seating rim. Each door glide slides against one ofthe dimples of the seating rime when the door pivots relative to theframe during movements of the door to various positions of relativelyuncovering the openings of the frame. In this way, the door glides alsoprevent surfaces of the door from touching surfaces of the frame formingthe dimples and thereby generating annoying noises and wear thatadversely affects the fit of the door to the frame.

The pair of spaced apart openings in the frame desirably can beconfigured to receive a pair of screens or other suitable anti-bugdevices. In some embodiments, the screens or other suitable anti-bugdevices can be configured so as to be selectively removable by the user,while in other embodiments they are configured so as not to beselectively removable by the user.

A decorative shell can be connected to the outer surface of the door anddesirably can be painted or otherwise textured in order to present anaesthetically pleasing appearance to the viewer.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will better appreciate the featuresand aspects of such embodiments, and others, upon review of thespecification. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in andconstitute a part of this specification, illustrate at least onepresently preferred embodiment of the invention as well as somealternative embodiments. These drawings, together with the description,serve to explain the principles of the invention but by no means areintended to be exhaustive of all of the possible manifestations of theinvention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including thebest mode thereof to one skilled in the art, is set forth moreparticularly in the remainder of the specification, including referenceto the accompanying figures, in which:

FIG. 1 is an elevated perspective view of the sleeper cab of a truckcontaining an embodiment of the ventilator of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an elevated perspective view of the operator's side (i.e.,inside facing side) of an embodiment of the ventilator of the presentdisclosure taken from the perspective indicated in FIG. 1 by the arrowsdesignated 2-2.

FIG. 3 is an elevated perspective view from the operator's side of anembodiment of the ventilator of the present disclosure schematicallyindicating selective placement of a screen into each of the two openingsin the frame with the door in the completely closed position.

FIG. 4 is an elevated perspective view from the operator's side of anembodiment of the ventilator of the present disclosure with the doorcompletely open in one of the two directions and without any screens inorder to facilitate viewing of other components.

FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view taken along the lines 5A-5A in theview shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view taken in the same direction as theview along the lines 5D-5D in the view shown in FIG. 4 but with the doorof the ventilator positioned intermediate to the positions shown inFIGS. 5A and 5D.

FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional view taken in the same direction as theview along the lines 5D-5D in the view shown in FIG. 4 but with the doorof the ventilator positioned intermediate to the positions shown inFIGS. 5B and 5D.

FIG. 5D is a cross-sectional view taken along the lines 5D-5D in theview shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is an elevated perspective view of components of an embodiment ofthe ventilator of the present disclosure schematically illustrating howthese components are to be assembled.

FIG. 7 is an elevated perspective view from the operator's side of anembodiment of the ventilator of the present disclosure schematicallyindicating assembly of a screen into one of the two openings through theventilator with the door in the completely closed position.

FIG. 8 is an elevated perspective view from the outwardly facing side ofan embodiment of the ventilator of the present disclosure schematicallyindicating assembly of a decorative cover onto the door with the door inthe completely open position.

FIG. 9A is an elevated perspective view from the inwardly facing side ofan embodiment of a component of the ventilator of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 9B is an elevated perspective view from the outwardly facing sideof an embodiment of a component of the ventilator of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 10A is an elevated perspective view from beneath one side of anembodiment of a component of the ventilator of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10B is an elevated perspective view from the opposite side of theembodiment shown in FIG. 10A.

FIG. 10C is a plan view from one side of the embodiment of FIGS. 10A and10B.

FIG. 10D is a cross-sectional view taken along the lines 10D-10D in theview shown in FIG. 10C.

FIG. 11 is an elevated perspective view from the operator's side of anembodiment of the door.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to present embodiments of theinvention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in theaccompanying drawings. The detailed description uses numerical andletter designations to refer to features in the drawings. Like orsimilar designations in the drawings and description have been used torefer to like or similar parts of embodiments of the invention.

Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, notlimitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art that modifications and variations can be made in thepresent invention without departing from the scope or spirit thereof.For instance, features illustrated or described as part of oneembodiment may be used on another embodiment to yield a still furtherembodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers suchmodifications and variations as come within the scope of the appendedclaims and their equivalents.

It is to be understood that the ranges and limits mentioned hereininclude all sub-ranges located within the prescribed limits, inclusiveof the limits themselves unless otherwise stated. For instance, a rangefrom 100 to 200 also includes all possible sub-ranges, examples of whichare from 100 to 150, 170 to 190, 153 to 162, 145.3 to 149.6, and 187 to200. Further, a limit of up to 7 also includes a limit of up to 5, up to3, and up to 4.5, as well as all sub-ranges within the limit, such asfrom about 0 to 5, which includes 0 and includes 5 and from 5.2 to 7,which includes 5.2 and includes 7.

A presently preferred embodiment of an assembled two-way hingelessventilator in accordance with the present disclosure is shown in FIG. 4and is represented generally by the numeral 11. As shown in FIG. 1,ventilator 11 desirably can be installed in the wall 12 of a sleeper cab13 of a tractor 14 used to tow a trailer. Embodiments of a two-wayhingeless ventilator 11 in accordance with the present disclosure alsocan be used in other environments. As shown in FIG. 4 for example, thehingeless ventilator 11 has two main components, a frame 15 and a door70. Desirably, the hingeless ventilator 11 has a third component in theform of a handle 90 that the user manipulates to move the door 70 withrespect to the frame 15. The frame 15 is configured to be attached tothe wall 12 that defines the opening in which the ventilator 11 is to beinstalled. The typical installation of the ventilator 11 will have thedoor 70 facing the outside environment exposed to the elements likeweather and bugs. The door 70 is selectively moveable by the user'smanipulation of the handle 90 to open and close the ventilator 11depending on whether air transfer is desired between the interior of thecab 13 and the outdoor environment.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 for example, an embodiment of the two-wayhingeless ventilator of the present disclosure comprises a generallyplanar-shaped frame 15, which is configured to be attached to the wall(e.g., 12 in FIG. 1) that defines the opening in which the ventilator isto be installed. As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B for example, the frame 15defines an outermost peripheral border flange 15 a having an innersurface 15 b extending generally in a first plane and an outer surface15 c that extends generally in a second plane that desirably is parallelto the plane defining the inner surface 15 b. As shown in FIG. 5A, theouter surface 15 c is disposed opposite the inner surface 15 b. Theoutermost peripheral border flange 15 a can be used as a platform formounting the vent 11 in the opening defined in the wall, ceiling orfloor of the environment in which the vent 11 is to be installed.

As shown in FIGS. 4, 9A and 9B for example, the frame 15 can furtherdefine a first opening 16 a therethrough and a second opening 16 btherethrough. Each of the first opening 16 a and the second opening 16 bis defined through both the inner surface 15 b and the outer surface 15c of the frame 15. As shown in FIGS. 3, 9A and 9B for example, the firstopening 16 a is spaced apart from the second opening 16 b.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9B for example, the outer surface 15 c of theframe 15 defines a seating rim 17 that is configured to surround thefirst and second openings 16 a, 16 b and is generally disposed betweenthe outermost peripheral border flange 15 a and the first and secondopenings 16 a, 16 b. As shown in FIGS. 5B and 9B for example, theseating rim 17 is configured to extend generally spaced away from andprotrudes from the plane of the outer surface 15 c of the outermostperipheral border flange 15 a of the frame 15. As shown in FIG. 8 forexample, the seating rim 17 projects outwardly toward and faces the door70.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 9A for example, the ventilator can include afirst upright 41 that extends from the inner surface 15 b of the frame15 in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the first plane inwhich the frame 15 is disposed. As shown in FIG. 9A, the first upright41 desirably is disposed between the first opening 16 a and the secondopening 16 b and closer to the first opening 16 a than to the secondopening 16 b. As shown in FIG. 9A, the first upright 41 is desirablyconfigured with a lower skirt portion 41 b, which desirably extendsgenerally almost the entire width of the first opening 16 a of the frame15. The lower skirt portion 41 b is disposed beneath a generallytriangularly shaped upper portion 41 c that is defined by an outer edge41 d. As shown in FIG. 9A, the first upright 41 defines a detent opening41 a through the lower skirt portion 41 b, and the detent opening 41 adesirably is disposed beneath and directly in line with the apex of thetriangularly shaped upper portion 41 c.

As shown in FIG. 9A, a second upright 42 also can be provided anddisposed to extend from the inner surface 15 b of the frame 15 in adirection that is generally perpendicular to the first plane in whichthe frame 15 is disposed. As shown in FIG. 9A, the second upright 42also is disposed between the first opening 16 a and the second opening16 b, but closer to the second opening 16 b than to the first opening 16a. Thus, the second upright 42 desirably is disposed spaced apart frombut alongside the first upright 41. The second upright 42 desirably isconfigured as a mirror image of the first upright 41 and thus similarlyis defined to include a lower skirt portion 42 b, a detent opening 42 athrough the lower skirt portion 42 b, and a generally triangularlyshaped upper portion 42 c that is defined by an outer edge 42 d.

Desirably, a unitary sheet of metal can be cut and bent to form theframe 15 with its first upright 41 and second upright 42. In oneexemplary embodiment, desirably, a sheet of aluminum or other suitablerigid material such as metal can be used to form the frame 15, the firstupright 41 and the second upright 42. Because the seating rim 17 can beformed by being pressed into a metal sheet to form the frame 15, thereverse side of the seating rim 17 seen from the inner surface 15 b ofthe frame 15 as shown in FIGS. 4, 5B, 7 and 9A for example, can appearas a trough 17 a.

As shown in FIG. 8 for example, the ventilator 11 includes a door 70that has a main body that is disposed to face the outer surface 15 c ofthe frame 15. As shown in FIG. 5A, the door 70 has a generally planarinner surface 70 a that is disposed to face the outer surface 15 c ofthe frame 15. As shown in FIGS. 5A-5D, the door 70 is configured to beselectively positionable to cover and uncover both the first opening 16a and the second opening 16 b.

As shown in FIG. 11 for example, a first door strut 81 can be connectedto the main body of the door 70 and desirably to the inner surface 70 aof the door 70. As depicted in new FIG. 11, for example, the first doorstrut 81 can be configured with a foot member 85 that is attached to theinner surface 70 a of the door 70. Any known method of attachment can beused to connect the first door strut 81 to the main body of the door 70.For example, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 11, a plurality of rivets or spotwelds 86 can be used to attach the foot member 85 (not visible in FIG.8) to the door 70. As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 5A and 11 for example, thefirst door strut 81 desirably extends in a direction generallyperpendicular to the plane of the inner surface 70 a of the door 70. Asshown in FIG. 4 for example, the first door strut 81 is disposed so asto extend from the inner surface 70 a of the door 70 and through thefirst opening 16 a in the frame 15.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 11 for example, the first door strut 81 definesin the uppermost edge disposed at the end of the first door strut 81that is opposite the foot member 85 (not shown in FIG. 6) that isattached to the inner surface 70 a of the door 70, a first shallowrecess 81 b. The first shallow recess 81 b desirably is disposedsymmetrically at the middle of the uppermost edge that is disposed atthe free end of the first door strut 81 that is opposite the foot member85. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 11 for example, the first door strut 81further defines therein a first elongated cutout 81 a. The cutout 81 aelongates desirably in a direction that is perpendicular to the plane ofthe inner surface 70 a of the door 70 and desirably aligns with thefirst shallow recess 81 b.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 11 for example, the first door strut 81 furtherdefines a first larger cutout 102 that defines a complex shape that isgenerally Y-shaped and is disposed between the first elongated cutout 81a and the foot member 85 (not visible in FIG. 4) and the inner surface70 a of the door 70 that is attached to the foot member 85. Asschematically shown in FIG. 5A from the perspective shown by the arrowsdesignated 5A in FIG. 3, the peripheral outline of the shape of thefirst Y-shaped larger cutout 102 desirably resembles an upper caseletter Y. As shown in FIGS. 4, 5A and 11, the Y-shaped cutout 102 has arelatively narrower stem portion 102 a that extends vertically in alinear direction normal to the inner surface 70 a of the door 70 forabout half of the overall distance of the Y-shaped larger cutout 102above inner surface 70 a of the door 70 and then begins to form adiverging portion 102 b that widens laterally in a direction parallel tothe inner surface 70 a of the door 70 until attaining the full extent ofthe separation between the peripheral outline that defines each of thetwo branches that form the Y of the Y-shaped larger cutout 102. Asschematically shown in FIG. 5A, the stem portion 102 a of the firstlarger cutout 102 includes a generally rectangular shaped portion 102 athat has one end disposed near the inner surface 70 a of the door 70. Asschematically shown in FIG. 4, the diverging portion 102 b of thecomplex shape of the first Y-shaped larger cutout 102 further includes agenerally trapezoidal shaped portion 102 b that merges with and thusadjoins the rectangular shaped stem portion 102 a. The relatively widerbase 102 c of the generally trapezoidal shaped portion 102 b of thefirst larger cutout 102 is disposed closer to the first elongated cutout81 a than to the rectangular shaped stem portion 102 a. Moreover, thebase angles 102 d of the generally trapezoidal shaped diverging portion102 b desirably are radiused in conformance with the shape of therounded apex that defines the guide surface 24 a of the guide stop 24that protrudes from the outer surface 21 c of the first upright sleeve21 (described below).

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 11 for example, a second door strut 82 can beprovided and can be configured identically to the first door strut 81.As shown in FIGS. 3 and 11 for example, the second door strut 82 can beconnected similarly to the main body of the door 70 and desirably to theinner surface 70 a of the door 70. As shown in FIG. 11 for example, thesecond door strut 82 desirably extends in a direction generallyperpendicular to the plane of the inner surface 70 a of the door 70. Asshown in FIG. 3, the second door strut 82 is disposed so as to extendfrom the inner surface 70 a of the door 70 and through the secondopening 16 b in the frame 15. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 11, the seconddoor strut 82 defines therein a second elongated cutout 82 a and asecond shallow recess 82 b. The second elongated cutout 82 a elongatesdesirably in a direction that is perpendicular to the plane of the innersurface 70 a of the door 70, and the second shallow recess 82 b isdefined in the uppermost edge of the second door strut 82.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 11 for example, the second door strut 82 furtherdefines a second larger Y-shaped cutout 102 that is disposed between thesecond elongated cutout 81 a and the inner surface 70 a of the door 70.The larger Y-shaped cutout 102 of the second door strut 82 similarlydefines a complex peripheral shape that resembles the peripheral shapeof an upper case letter Y with a triangularly shaped diverging portion102 b and a generally rectangular shaped stem portion 102 a, which isdisposed near the inner surface 70 a of the door 70. The complex shapeof the second larger Y-shaped cutout 102 of the second door strut 82similarly further includes a generally trapezoidal shaped divergingportion 102 b that merges with and thus adjoins the rectangular shapedstem portion 102 a. The base 102 c of the generally trapezoidal shapeddiverging portion 102 b of the second larger Y-shaped cutout 102 isdisposed closer to the second elongated cutout 82 a than to therectangular shaped stem portion 102 a. Moreover, the base angles 102 dof the generally trapezoidal shaped diverging portion 102 b desirablyare radiused in conformance with the shape of the rounded apex thatdefines the guide surface 24 a of the guide stop 24 that protrudes fromthe outer surface 22 c of the second upright sleeve 22.

FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of components of a partially assembledof a hingeless ventilator of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 6for example, the hingeless ventilator desirably includes a first uprightsleeve 21 spaced apart from a second upright sleeve 22. Each uprightsleeve 21, 22 desirably is identically configured, and for conveniencethe remaining detailed description will refer to the first uprightsleeve 21 unless appropriate to refer to the upright sleeve 22. As shownin FIG. 4 for example, a first upright sleeve 21 desirably is disposedbetween the two openings 16 a, 16 b in the frame 15. As shown in FIG. 4for example, the first upright sleeve 21 can be connected to the frame15 by being connected to the first upright 41 (FIG. 9A) and can extendin a direction that is generally perpendicular to the frame 15 and inparticular to the inner surface 15 b of the frame 15. As shown in FIG.4, the first upright sleeve 21 can be configured to be mounted over thefirst upright 41 like a glove.

Each of FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C and 10D depicts different views of uprightsleeves that apply equally well to either the first or second uprightsleeve 21, 22. But for convenience, the following description will referonly to the first upright sleeve 21. FIG. 10A shows an embodiment of thefirst upright sleeve 21 in a perspective view from the inner side, whileFIG. 10B shows the same embodiment of the first upright sleeve 21 in aperspective view from the outer side, which is the opposite side fromthe inner side. When assembled as shown in FIG. 3 for example, the outerside of each upright sleeve 21, 22 faces toward the nearest end of theframe 15 of the frame's longer dimension, while the inner side of eachupright sleeve 21, 22 faces toward the center of the frame 15.

As shown in FIG. 10B for example, the first upright sleeve 21 includesan upper section 21 a and a contiguous base section 21 b that isdisposed beneath the upper section 21 a. As shown in FIGS. 10A, 10B and10C for example, the upper section 21 a is defined generally by atriangular shape, while the base section 21 b desirably defines agenerally rectangular shape that desirably extends lengthwise beyond theextent of the base of the triangularly shaped upper section 21 a. Asshown in FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C and 10D for example, the upper section 21 ais defined generally by alternating cross braces 26 and cross gaps 27.As shown in FIG. 10D for example, the cross brace 26 on one side of theupper section 21 a is opposed by a cross gap 27 and vice versa. Soconfigured, each upright sleeve 21, 22 minimizes material, weight andcost without sacrificing structural integrity and ease of replacement.

As shown in FIG. 10B, a guide stop 24 extends in a direction that isnormal to the outer surface 21 c of the first upright sleeve 21. Asshown in FIGS. 10B and 10C (in phantom), the guide stop 24 desirably isdisposed generally symmetrically with respect to the opposite ends ofthe base section 21 b of the first upright sleeve 21. As shown in FIGS.6 and 10B, the guide stop 24 desirably defines a guide surface 24 a thatis configured with a shape resembling an isosceles triangle with arounded apex. As schematically shown in FIG. 5D for example, the roundedapex of the guide surface 24 a is configured to complement the shape ofthe radiused base angles 102 d of the generally trapezoidal shapedportion 102 b of the first larger cutout 102 of the first door strut 81.As shown in FIGS. 10B and 10C, the guide stop 24 desirably is disposeddirectly beneath the apex of the upper section 21 a of the first uprightsleeve 21 and with the apex of the guide surface generally directly inalignment with the apex of the upper section 21 a of the first uprightsleeve 21.

As shown in FIGS. 6, 10A, 10C and 10D, a detent 25 extends in adirection that is normal to the inner surface 21 d surface of the firstupright sleeve 21. As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10C, the detent 25desirably is disposed generally symmetrically with respect to theopposite ends of the base section 21 b of the first upright sleeve 21.As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10C, the detent 25 desirably is disposeddirectly beneath and generally directly in alignment with the apex ofthe upper section 21 a of the first upright sleeve 21. As shown in FIGS.3, 4 and 9B, the detent 25 is configured to be received within theopening 42 a defined through the lower skirt portion 42 b of the secondupright 42 and so as to connect the second upright sleeve 22 to thefirst upright 42. Similarly, the detent 25 is configured to be receivedwithin the opening 41 a defined through the lower skirt portion 41 b ofthe first upright 41 and so as to connect the first upright sleeve 21 tothe first upright 41.

As shown in FIG. 10D for example, the upper section 21 a of the firstupright sleeve 21 desirably defines an internal recess 21 e that isconfigured with a shape that conforms to the generally triangular shapedouter edge 41 d (FIG. 9A) that defines the upper portion 41 c of thefirst upright 41 and thus snugly receives the generally triangularshaped upper portion of the first upright 41 in the internal recess 21 eof the first upright sleeve 21. As shown in FIGS. 10A, 10C and 10D, thedetent 25 that desirably is defined in the base section 21 b of thefirst upright sleeve 21 retains the first upright sleeve 21 snuglymounted onto the first upright 41. Desirably, the outer edge 41 d of thegenerally triangular shaped upper portion 41 c of the first upright 41rests snugly against the surface 21 f (e.g., FIG. 10D) that defines theinternal recess 21 e of the first upright sleeve 21 when the detent 25protruding from the inner surface 21 d of the base section 21 b of thefirst upright sleeve 21 engages through the detent opening 41 a (FIG.9A) defined through the lower skirt portion 41 b of the first upright 41and thereby connects the first upright sleeve 21 securely to the frame15.

As shown in FIG. 10D, the detent 25 desirably is configured with abiased end surface 25 a that is configured to facilitate sliding thefirst upright sleeve 21 over and down onto the upper portion 41 c of thefirst upright 41 until the detent 25 becomes engaged in the detentopening 41 a that is formed through the lower skirt portion 41 b of thefirst upright 41. Since the first upright sleeve 21 desirably is formedof a plastic material, the first upright sleeve 21 bends sufficientlywithout breaking so that the detent 25 can be pushed through and out ofthe detent opening 41 a in order to slide the first upright sleeve 21off of the first upright 41 if replacement of the first upright 41 isdesired.

As shown in FIG. 10D for example, the width of the internal recess 21 ein the first upright sleeve 21 is schematically indicated in FIG. 10D bythe space between the arrows designated 23 a and 23 b, and that space isdesigned to receive snugly therein the first upright 41. Accordingly,the first upright sleeve 21 can be disposed and configured to be mountedsnugly over the first upright 41. As shown in FIG. 10D for example, thedistance by which the detent 25 protrudes away from the inner surface 21d of the base section 21 b of the first upright sleeve 21 isschematically indicated in FIG. 10D by the space between the arrowsdesignated 23 a and 25 b, which desirably will be comparable to thethickness of the first upright 41.

As shown in FIGS. 6, 10A, 10B and 10C, the exterior edge of the uppersection 21 a of an embodiment of the first upright sleeve 21 desirablycan define a first exterior track surface 31, which follows a triangularpath resembling the letter “A” in cross-section. As shown in FIGS. 10Aand 10B for example, the first exterior track surface 31 includes afirst forward edge 51 and a first rearward edge 52, which is disposedopposite the first forward edge 51 and not completely visible in theview shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B. As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, forexample, the first exterior track surface 31 includes a first apexsurface 31 a at the highest point in the path. The first apex surface 31a is an indent that defines a concave surface and is disposed betweenthe first forward edge 51 and the first rearward edge 52. As shown inFIGS. 10A and 10B, the first forward edge 51 and the first rearward edge52 define in general the shape of an isosceles triangle that taperstowards the first apex surface 31 a of the first upright sleeve 21.

As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B for example, each of the first forwardedge 51 and the first rearward edge 52 of the first exterior tracksurface 31 defines a plurality of respective indents 51 a, 51 b, 51 c,52 a, 52 b, 52 c. The number and spacing of the indents can be varieddepending on a number of factors, and one such factor is the size of theventilator 11. Another such factor is the number and positioning of restsettings desired for the two-way pivoting door 70 (e.g., FIG. 4) of theventilator 11. As shown in FIGS. 10A, 10B and 10C, beginning where theupper section 21 a meets the base section 21 b, the first forward edge51 defines a first lower indent 51 c, which as shown in FIG. 4, is to bedisposed closer to the frame 15 than to the first apex surface 31 a. Thefirst forward edge 51 also can be configured to define a first middleindent 51 b that is disposed between the first lower indent 51 c and thefirst apex surface 31 a of the first exterior track surface 31. Thefirst forward edge 51 also can be configured to define a first upperindent 51 a that is disposed between the first middle indent 51 b of thefirst forward edge 51 and the first apex surface 31 a of the firstexterior track surface 31.

Desirably, as shown in FIGS. 10A, 10B and 10C for example, the firstforward edge 51 and the first rearward edge 52 of the first uprightsleeve 21 are configured as mirror images of each other. Thus, the firstrearward edge 52 similarly defines a first lower indent 52 c that isdisposed where the upper section 21 a of the first upright sleeve 21meets the base section 21 b and closer to the frame 15 than to the firstapex surface 31 a. The first rearward edge 52 also defines a firstmiddle indent 52 b that is disposed between the first lower indent 52 cand the first apex surface 31 a. The first rearward edge 52 also definesa first upper indent 52 a that is disposed between the first middleindent 52 b and the first apex surface 31 a.

However, by arranging the spacing of the indents in the first forwardedge 51 in a manner that differs from the spacing of the indents in thefirst rearward edge 52, it is possible to have different rest settingsfor the door 70 with respect to the frame 15 depending on which oppositeside of the frame 15 the door 70 is tilted.

As shown in FIG. 4 for example, a second upright sleeve 22, whichdesirably is an identical component as the first upright sleeve 21,desirably is disposed between the two openings 16 a, 16 b in the frame15. As shown in FIG. 4 for example, the second upright sleeve 22 can beconnected to the inner surface 15 b of the frame 15 by the secondupright 42 of the frame 15 and can extend in a direction that isgenerally perpendicular to the frame 15. As shown in FIG. 4, the secondupright sleeve 22 can be disposed and configured to be mounted over thesecond upright 42.

As shown in FIG. 6, the second upright sleeve 22 desirably defines anexterior track surface 31, which is identical to the exterior tracksurface 31 of the first upright sleeve 21. As shown in FIG. 6, forexample, the exterior track surface 31 the of the second upright sleeve22 includes an apex surface 31 a that is disposed between a forward edge51 and a rearward edge 52, which is disposed opposite the forward edge51 and not completely visible in the view shown in FIG. 6. Similarly, byarranging the spacing of the indents in the forward edge 51 in a mannerthat differs from the spacing of the indents in the rearward edge 52, itis possible to have different rest settings for the door 70 with respectto the frame 15 depending on which opposite side of the frame 15 thedoor 70 is tilted.

As shown in FIG. 4 for example, the hingeless ventilator 11 includes ahandle 90 that has a first side 90 a and a second side 90 b opposite thefirst side 90 a. The first side 90 a of the handle 90 is connected tothe first door strut 81, and the second side 90 b of the handle 90 isconnected to the second door strut 82. As schematically shown in FIG. 4,the first side 90 a of the handle 90 defines a first handle detent 90 cthat is configured to be received in and held in the first shallowrecess 81 b that is defined in the uppermost edge that is disposed atthe free end of the first door strut 81. The second side 90 b of thehandle 90 is configured as the mirror image of the first side 90 a ofthe handle 90. Accordingly, though not visible in the view of FIG. 4,the second side 90 b of the handle 90 defines a second handle detentthat is identical to the first handle detent 90 c but that is configuredto be received in and held in the second shallow recess 82 b that isdefined in the uppermost edge that is disposed at the free end of thesecond door strut 82. The combined effects of the handle detents, theshallow recesses 81 b, 82 b and the screws 93 a, 93 b (FIG. 6) extendingthrough the respective door struts 81, 82 and the handle 90 securelyfasten and connect the handle 90 to the door struts 81, 82.

The handle 90 can be thought of as defining an upper body and a lowerbody. As shown in FIG. 3 for example, when connected to the door struts81, 82, the distance between the handle's lower body and the frame 15 isless than the distance between the handle's upper body and the frame 15.As shown in FIG. 6 for example, the handle's upper body is desirablyconfigured with a gripping surface 95 for the hand of an operator tofacilitate manipulation and movement of the handle 90 by the operator.As schematically shown in FIG. 6, the handle's upper body can beconnected to the first door strut 81 and to the second door strut 82 viaopenings 83 a, 83 b defined respectively through the door struts 81, 82by means of a pair of threaded screws 93 a, 93 b. As schematically shownin FIG. 6, the handle's upper body can be provided with a bore 61 b thatreceives the threaded screw 93 b to secure the second door strut 82 tothe second side 90 b of the handle 90. Though not visible in the view ofFIG. 6, a similar bore is provided on the first side 91 of the handle 90to receive therein the threaded screw 93 a to secure the first doorstrut 81 to the first side 91 of the handle 90.

As shown in FIG. 6, the lower body of the handle 90 defines a first side91 and a second side 92 that is disposed opposite the first side 91. Asschematically shown in FIG. 6, the lower body of the handle 90 ispartially cut away in a wavy lined rectangle to reveal the interior of ahollow inner chamber 94 that is defined within the lower body of thehandle 90 and is disposed between the first side 91 of the handle andthe second side 92 of the handle. As shown in FIG. 6, each of the firstside 91 and second side 92 of the handle 90 defines an elongated firstslot 96 that communicates with the inner chamber 94. As shown in dashedline in FIG. 5A (so as to indicate that it would not be visible in theview shown in FIG. 5A), the first slot 96 has a first upper end 96 a anda first lower end 96 c that is disposed opposite the first upper end 96a. Each of the first upper end 96 a and the first lower end 96 c isconfigured with a semicircular shape to receive therein a cylindricallyshaped surface. As shown in FIG. 5A, when the handle 90 is connected tothe first door strut 81, the handle's upper body is disposed fartherfrom the first lower end 96 c of the first slot 96 than from the firstupper end 96 a of the first slot 96.

The second side 92 of the handle's lower body is configured identicallyas the first side 91. As shown in FIG. 6, the second side 92 of thehandle's lower body thus defines an elongated second slot 96 thatcommunicates with the inner chamber 94 and is configured the same as thefirst slot 96. Thus, as shown in FIG. 6, the second slot 96 has a secondupper end 96 a and a second lower end 96 c that is disposed opposite thesecond upper end 96 d and configured with a semicircular shape. When thehandle 90 is connected to the second door strut 82, the upper body ofthe handle 90 is disposed farther from the second lower end 96 c of thesecond slot 96 than from the second upper end 96 a of the second slot96.

As shown in FIG. 6, an elongated axle 97 has a first end 97 a and asecond end 97 b that is disposed opposite the first end 97 a. The axle97 desirably has a cylindrical shape except at the first end 97 a andthe second end 97 b. As shown in FIG. 6, the axle 97 is disposed so asto extend through each elongated first and second slot 96 and the hollowinner chamber 94 of the handle 90. The first end 97 a of the axle 97extends beyond the first side 91 of the handle 90, and the second end 97b of the axle 97 extends beyond the second side 92 of the handle 90. Asschematically shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 4 and 6 for example, the first end 97a Of the axle 97 is configured so as to be slideably held in the firstelongated cutout 81 a of the first door strut 81 and thus slideablyengages the first door strut 81. Though not visible in the views shownin FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, the second end 97 b of the axle 97 is similarlyslideably held in the second elongated cutout 82 a of the second doorstrut 82 and thus similarly slideably engages the second door strut 82.

As shown in FIG. 6 for example, at least a first spring 98 a is disposedin the inner chamber 94 of the handle 90 so as to bias the axle 97toward the first lower end 96 c of the first slot 96 that is definedthrough the first side 91 of the lower body of the handle 90. Similarly,the first spring 98 a biases the axle 97 toward the second lower end 96c of the second slot 96 that is defined through the second side 92 ofthe lower body of the handle 90. As shown in FIG. 6 for example,desirably a second spring 98 b also is disposed alongside the firstspring 98 a to provide twice the biasing force that tends to push theaxle 97 toward the lower ends 96 c of the slots 96 defined through thesides 91, 92 of the lower body of the handle 90. The force constant ofthe springs 98 a, 98 b will depend on the size of the vent and itscomponents. However, when a pair of springs 98 a, 98 b is provided insome embodiments, each of the springs 98 a, 98 b desirably has a forceconstant on the order of 10 pounds of force per inch.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6 for example, a first roller 99 a is rotatablymounted on the axle 97 and is shaped as a wheel having a cylindricalexterior surface. As shown in FIG. 6 for example, the first roller 99 adesirably is disposed between the first end 97 a of the axle 97 and thefirst side 91 of the lower body of the handle 90. As shown in FIGS.5A-5D for example, the first roller 99 a is biased by at least one ofthe springs 98 a in the handle 90 so as to be contacting the firstexterior track surface 31 of the first upright sleeve 21. Thus, thefirst roller 99 a provides a rolling engagement between the handle 90that is attached to the door 70 on the one hand and the first uprightsleeve 21 that is attached to the frame 15 on the other hand. Relativemovement between the handle 90 and the frame 15 effects correspondinglydifferent positions of the door 70 relative to the two openings 16 a, 16b in the frame 15.

As schematically shown in FIG. 6 for example, a second roller 99 b isrotatably mounted on the axle 97. As shown in FIG. 6 for example, thesecond roller 99 b desirably is disposed between the second end 97 b ofthe axle 97 and the second side 92 of the lower body of the handle 90.Though not visible in the view shown in FIGS. 5A-5D for example, thesecond roller 99 b is biased by at least one of the springs 98 a, 98 bin the handle 90 so as to be contacting the exterior track surface 31 ofthe second upright sleeve 22. Thus, the second roller 99 b provides arolling engagement between the handle 90, which is attached to the door70, and the second upright sleeve 22, which is attached to the frame 15.Since the handle 90 and the door 70 are fixed to one another, relativemovement between the handle 90 and the frame 15 effects correspondinglydifferent positions of the door 70 relative to the two openings 16 a, 16b in the frame 15. Moreover, relative movement between the handle 90 andthe frame 15 corresponds to relative movement between the rollers 99 a,99 b and the respective exterior track surface 31 of the first uprightsleeve 21 and the exterior track surface 31 of the second upright sleeve22.

As shown in FIG. 8 for example, the door defines a lip 71 that surroundsthe periphery of the main body of the door 70. As shown in FIG. 5B forexample, the lip 71 extends in a direction that generally isperpendicular to the generally planar inner surface 70 a of the mainbody of the door 70. In a sense, the lip 71 forms a skirt around theedge of the planar main body of the door 70.

As shown in FIG. 5C for example, a gasket 72 desirably is disposed onand covers most of the inner surface 70 a (see FIG. 11) of the door 70and extends so as to butt against the inner surface 71 a of the lip 71that surrounds the main body of the door 70. As shown in FIG. 5B forexample, the gasket 72 desirably is resiliently deformable and providesa seal against the sealing rim 17 of the frame 15 as the door 70 movestoward the closed position. Thus, the gasket 72 helps seal the ventagainst the intrusion of air drafts, moisture and particulate matter.The gasket 72 also can serve a sound-deadening function. For example,the gasket 72 also prevents metal surfaces of the lip 71 of the door 70from touching metal surfaces of the frame 15 and that might generatewear, paint removal and annoying noises of metal scraping against metal.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, desirably at least one door glide 78 isconnected to a portion of the free edge of the lip 71 of the door 70. Asshown in FIGS. 7 and 8 for example, a plurality of door glides 78desirably is provided. As shown in FIGS. 5D, 7 and 8 for example, eachdoor glide 78 can be formed so as to overlap both a portion of theinterior surface 71 a of the lip 71 and the exterior surface of the lip71 in an uninterrupted fashion. As shown in FIG. 8 for example, eachdoor glide 78 can be provided with a pair of detents 78 a. Each detent78 a of each door glide 78 can be configured to be snap-fitted throughone of a pair of spaced apart holes 73 a, which can be drilled through aportion of the lip 71 of the door 70 as shown schematically in FIG. 8for example. However, other means of attachment of the glide 78 to thelip 71 can be used and would include the use of various adhesivesinstead of or in addition to the snap-in fit of the detents into theholes 73 a in the lip 71. Moreover, each door glide 78 desirably can beattached to the lip 71 so that the detents 78 a face the interior of thedoor 70 instead of facing the exterior of the door 70 as depicted inFIG. 8.

As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B for example, an outward wall 18 partlydefines the seating rim 17 of the frame 15. As shown in FIGS. 5A-5D, 8and 9B for example, the outer surface 15 c of the frame 15 desirably canbe configured to define a door recess 19 that is configured to surroundthe seating rim 17 and is partly defined by the outward wall 18 thatpartly defines the seating rim 17. As shown in FIGS. 5A-5D for example,the door recess 19 desirably can be configured to provide space forreceiving the lip 71 of the door 70 so as to dispose the outer surface70 b of the main body of the door 70 in an even plane with the outersurface 15 c of the outermost peripheral border flange 15 a of the frame15 when the door 70 is closed. In this way, a smooth aerodynamic surfaceis presented when the door 70 is closed, and this is advantageous forreducing drag when the vent 11 is installed in a vehicle 14 that movesthrough the air with the outer surface 70 b of the main body of the door70 disposed outside the vehicle 14.

Desirably, as shown in as shown in FIGS. 5B-5D and 8 for example, atleast one door glide 78 is disposed in registry with each side of eachopening 16 a, 16 b through the frame 15 so as to facilitate smoothengagement between the lip 71 of the door 70 and the outward wall 18that partly defines the seating rim 17 of the frame 15. Moreover, asshown in FIGS. 5B-5D for example, each door glide 78 slides against thesurface of the outward wall 18 that partly defines the door recess 19and partly defines the seating rim 17 of the frame 15 when the door 70pivots relative to the frame 15 during movements of the door 70 tovarious positions of relatively uncovering the first and second openings16 a, 16 b of the frame 15. In this way, the door glides 78 also preventmetal surfaces of the door 70 from touching metal surfaces of the frame15 that might thereby generate wear, paint removal and annoying noisesof metal scraping against metal. In an embodiment like the one shown inFIG. 8, which includes a generally rectangular-shaped frame 15 and apivoting axis of the door 70 of the ventilator 11 is disposed along anaxis extending parallel to the longer length of the rectangular shape ofthe frame 15, the door glides 78 desirably will be disposed on each ofthe longer lengths that define the lip 71 of the door 70 (or the seatingrim 17).

As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B for example, a plurality of dimples 18 a canbe formed in the outward wall 18 that partly defines the seating rim 17.As shown in FIG. 9A for example, each of these dimples 18 a includes aconcave surface that desirably faces inwardly toward the center of theframe 15. As shown in FIG. 9B for example, each of these dimples 18 aincludes a convex surface that desirably extends outwardly in adirection that is facing away from the center of the frame 15. Each ofthese dimples 18 a projecting from the outward wall 18 of the seatingrim 17 desirably can be disposed on each of the longer lengths of theseating rim 17 that extend in a direction that is parallel to thepivoting axis of the door 70 of the ventilator 11. Moreover, each ofthese dimples 18 a desirably can be disposed on each of the longerlengths of the seating rim 17 so that the dimple 18 a is not alignedwith any of the door glides 78. Under normal circumstances, the doorglides 78 desirably are configured so that they will serve as a stop forthe leading edge of the door 70 before any contact would be made withany of the dimples 18 a, and thus most embodiments do not need toinclude dimples 18 a. However, in embodiments that include dimples 18 a,if a circumstance does arise in which the door glides 78 were missing,the convex surface of the dimple 18 a then would serve as a stop for theleading edge of the door 70 when the door 70 is fully opened to one sideof the vent 11.

Operation of a presently desirable embodiment of the two-way hingelessventilator 11 now will be described. Each of FIGS. 2, 3, and 5Aillustrates the ventilator 11 in the completely closed position. Thefirst upright sleeve 21 with its first exterior track surface 31 havinga first forward edge 51 and an oppositely disposed mirror image firstrearward edge 52 are shown in dashed outline in FIG. 5A. In thecompletely closed position, each of the first roller 99 a and the secondroller 99 b rests on the respective apex surface 31 a of the exteriortrack surface 31 on the first upright sleeve 21 and (though not visiblein FIG. 5A) the apex surface 31 a disposed on the exterior track surface31 of the second upright sleeve 22. From this fully closed position,which is shown in cross-section in FIG. 5A, the operator can pull thehandle 90 in the direction of the arrow designated 100 b in FIG. 5B. Inso doing, the first and second rollers 99 a, 99 b move along therespective forward edges 51 of the respective exterior track surfaces 31of the first and second upright sleeves 21, 22 so that the respectiveroller 99 a, 99 b rests within the respective indent 51 a, that isclosest to the apex surfaces 31 a of the first and second uprightsleeves 21, 22. Desirably, the arcuate shape of each indent 51 a, 51 b,51 c, 52 a, 52 b, 52 c formed in the first exterior track surfaces 31 ofthe first and second upright sleeves 21 conforms to the arcuate shape ofthe exterior surface of the respective rollers 99 a, 99 b.

As the handle moves in the direction designated 100 b in FIG. 5B, thesprings 98 a, 98 b will push the axle 97 so that the first roller 99 aand the second roller 99 b maintain contact respectively with theexterior track surfaces 31 of the first and second upright sleeves 21,22. Thus, the respective springs 98 a, 98 b bias the respective rollers99 a, 99 b against the respective exterior track surfaces 31 of therespective upright sleeves 21, 22 during movement of the handle 90 anddoor 70 with respect to the frame 15. Movement of the handle 90 in thedirection 100 b in FIG. 5B pivots the door 70 away from the frame 15 onone side edge of the door 70, while compressing the gasket 72 disposedat the opposite side edge of the door 70. As shown in FIG. 5B where theportion of the lip 71 of the door 70 has remained within the door recess19, the seating rim 17 has caused a portion of the gasket 72 near thatportion of the lip 71 of the door 70 to become more compressed than whenthe door 70 was disposed in the closed position shown in FIG. 5A andthereby assures an airtight tight seal between that edge of the door 70and that side of the frame 15. As shown in FIG. 5B, as the positions ofthe respective rollers 99 a, 99 b come to rest in the respective indents51 a (FIG. 6) of the respective exterior track surfaces 31 of therespective upright sleeves 21, 22 (FIG. 6), the position of the guidestop 24 on outer surface 21 c of first upright sleeve 21 changes withrespect to the larger cutout 102 in the first door strut 81 and moves toa position that is still within the rectangular shaped portion 102 a butcloser to the trapezoidal shaped portion 102 b. The same thing happensto the position of the guide stop 24 on outer surface 21 c of secondupright sleeve 22 with respect to the second door strut 82.

Further movement of the handle 90 in the direction 100 c in FIG. 5Ccontinues to pivot the door 70 away from the frame 15 on one side edgeof the door 70, while further compressing the gasket 72 disposed at theopposite edge of the door 70. As shown in FIG. 5C, as the positions ofthe respective rollers 99 a, 99 b come to rest in the respective indents51 b (FIG. 6) of the respective exterior track surfaces 31 of therespective upright sleeves 21, 22 (FIG. 6), the position of the guidestop 24 on outer surface 21 c of first upright sleeve 21 changes withrespect to the larger cutout 102 in the first door strut 81 and moves toa position that is beyond the rectangular shaped portion 102 a butwithin the trapezoidal shaped portion 102 b. The same thing happens tothe position of the guide stop 24 on outer surface 21 c of secondupright sleeve 22 with respect to the second door strut 82.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5D, further movement of the handle inthe direction of the arrow designated 100 d results in the maximumopening of the door 70 away from the frame 15 on one side of the frame15 and the maximum compression of the door gasket 72 near the lip 71 onthe opposite side of the door 70. The view shown in FIG. 5D generallycorresponds to the configuration of the ventilator 11 shown in FIG. 4for example. Note that as the door 70 of ventilator 11 moves from thefully closed position of FIG. 5A to the fully open position of FIG. 5D,the end 97 a of the elongated axle 97 slides within the elongated cutout81 a of the first door strut 81 in the direction away from the largercutout 102 of the first door strut 81.

As shown in FIG. 5D, as the positions of the respective rollers 99 a, 99b come to rest in the respective indents 51 c (FIG. 6) of the respectiveexterior track surfaces 31 of the respective upright sleeves 21, 22(FIG. 6), the position of the guide stop 24 on outer surface 21 c offirst upright sleeve 21 changes with respect to the first door strut 81and moves to a position that is within one of the base angles 102 d ofthe trapezoidal shaped portion 102 b of the larger cutout 102. The samething happens to the position of the guide stop 24 on outer surface 21 cof second upright sleeve 22 with respect to the second door strut 82. Ifthe handle 90 were to be moved to the same extent but in the directionopposite to the direction of arrow 100 d in FIG. 5D, then the positionof the guide stop 24 on outer surface 21 c of first upright sleeve 21would move to the position that is within the other one of the baseangles 102 d of the trapezoidal shaped portion 102 b of the largercutout 102. Thus, the door 70 of the ventilator 11 can be opened toeither one of the opposite sides of the frame 15, as the user desires.Moreover, the interaction of each of the Y-shaped cutouts 102 of each ofthe door struts 81, 82 with each respective guide stop 24 of eachrespective upright sleeve 21, 22 that extends through the Y-shapedcutout 102 ensures that neither jerking motion on the handle 90 norawkwardly pulling on the handle 90 causes any misalignment of either ofthe rollers 99 a, 99 b from its respective track surface 31 on itsrespective upright sleeve 21, 22.

As shown in the chain dashed line outlines in FIGS. 5A and 8, anembodiment of the ventilator can include a decorative shell 75 that isconnected to the door 70. The decorative shell 75 desirably defines aninterior surface 75 a and an exterior surface 75 b that is disposedopposite the interior surface 75 a. As shown in FIG. 5A, the interiorsurface 75 a of the shell 75 is disposed in opposition to the outersurface 70 b of the door 70. As shown in FIG. 5A, the turned upperipheral flange 76 of the decorative shell 75 desirably conforms tothe lip 71 of the door 70, and the free edges of the turned upperipheral flange 76 butts against the free edges of the door glides 78that are connected to the lip 71 of the door 70.

The decorative shell 75 desirably is formed of suitable material, whichcan include a thinner gauge of metal than is used to form the door 70.In one embodiment where the door 70 is formed of 16 gauge stainlesssteel, the decorative shell 75 desirably can be formed of 22 gaugestainless steel for example. The exterior surface 75 b of the decorativeshell 75 desirably can be painted or otherwise textured in order topresent an aesthetically pleasing appearance to the viewer.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 8 for example, the ventilator 11 desirablymay include a first screen 35 and a second screen 36. As shown in FIG. 3for example, the first screen 35 is configured to be disposed in thefirst opening 16 a of the frame 15. Desirably, the second screen 36 isprovided to cover the second opening 16 b and is configured in the samemanner as described below for the first screen 35. Desirably, bothscreens 35, 36 can be configured to be selectively detachable from theframe 15 by the user.

As shown in FIG. 3 for example, the first screen 35 includes porousscreening material that is surrounded by and mounted to a solid border35 a. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 8 for example, on the inner face of theborder 35 a there is are several detents 35 b spaced symmetricallyaround the border 35 a. As shown in FIG. 3 for example, the detents 35 bare formed on the ends of tongues 35 c that are resiliently deformableso that when the first screen 35 is placed in registry with the firstopening 16 a, the application of pressure against the border 35 asuffices to spread apart the tongues 35 c and allow the detents 35 b topass over the frame's edge that defines the first opening 16 a. Once thedetents 35 b get past the edge that defines the first opening 16 a inthe frame 15, the tongues 35 c resiliently spring back into the biasposition such that the detents 35 b lock the border 35 a of the screen35 against the inner surface 15 b of the frame 15. The detents 35 b havea tapered edge that faces the outer surface of the border 35 a so that alever can be used to pry the border 35 a of the screen 35 away from theinner surface 15 b of the frame 15. At the same time, the taperedsurfaces of the detents 35 b will slide past the edge that defines thefirst opening 16 a.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention,including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in theart to practice the invention, including making and using any devices orsystems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope ofthe invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examplesthat occur to those skilled in the art. Such other and examples areintended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structuralelements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, orif they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantialdifferences from the literal languages of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A hingeless ventilator, comprising: a generallyplanar-shaped frame defining an inner surface and an outer surfacedisposed opposite said inner surface, said frame further defining afirst opening therethrough and a second opening therethrough, saidsecond opening being spaced apart from said first opening, said outersurface of said frame defining a seating rim configured to surround saidfirst and second openings; a first upright sleeve being disposed betweensaid openings and defining a first exterior track surface, said firstupright sleeve being connected to said inner surface of said frame andextending in a direction generally perpendicular to said inner surfaceof said frame, said first upright sleeve including a first guide stopextending generally parallel to said inner surface of said frame; asecond upright sleeve being disposed between said openings and defininga second exterior track surface, said second upright sleeve beingconnected to said inner surface of said frame and extending in adirection generally perpendicular to said inner surface of said frame,said second upright sleeve being spaced apart from said first uprightsleeve, said second upright sleeve including a second guide stopextending generally parallel to said inner surface of said frame; a doorhaving a main body disposed to face said outer surface of said frame andconfigured to be selectively positionable to cover and uncover both saidfirst and second openings, said door defining a lip surrounding theperiphery thereof and extending generally perpendicularly to said mainbody; a first door strut connected to said main body of said door andextending in a direction generally perpendicular to said main body ofsaid door and extending through said first opening, said first doorstrut defining a first elongated cutout that elongates in a directionperpendicular to said main body of said door, said first door strutdefining a first Y-shaped cutout having an open-topped Y-shapedperipheral outline, said first guide stop extending through said firstY-shaped cutout; a second door strut connected to said main body of saiddoor and extending in a direction generally perpendicular to said mainbody of said door and extending through said second opening, the seconddoor strut defining a second elongated cutout that elongates in adirection perpendicular to said main body of said door, said second doorstrut defining a second Y-shaped cutout having an open-topped Y-shapedperipheral outline, said second guide stop extending through said firstY-shaped cutout; a handle connected to said first door strut and to saidsecond door strut, said handle being configured with a gripping surfacefor the hand of an operator to manipulate the movement of the handle,said handle defining a first side and a second side disposed oppositesaid first side, said handle defining a hollow inner chamber disposedbetween said first side and said second side, said first side definingan elongated first slot communicating with said inner chamber, saidsecond side defining an elongated second slot communicating with saidinner chamber, said first slot having a first upper end and a firstlower end disposed opposite said first upper end, said second slothaving a second upper end and a second lower end disposed opposite saidsecond upper end; an elongated axle having a first end and a second enddisposed opposite said first end, said axle extending through saidhollow inner chamber with said first end of said axle slideably disposedwithin said first elongated cutout of said first door strut and saidsecond end of said axle being slideably disposed within said secondelongated cutout of said second door strut; at least a first springdisposed in said inner chamber so as to bias said axle toward said firstand second lower ends of said respective first and second slots definedthrough said respective first and second sides of said main body of saidhandle; a first roller rotatably mounted on said axle and disposedbetween said first end of said axle and said first side of said lowerbody of said handle and being biased by said spring into contacting saidexterior track surface of said first upright sleeve; a second rollerrotatably mounted on said axle and disposed between said second end ofsaid axle and said second side of said lower body of said handle andbeing biased by said spring into contacting said exterior track surfaceof said second upright sleeve; and said handle, said first and seconddoor struts, and said door being movable relative to said frame and saidfirst and second upright sleeves while limited by interaction betweenthe axle and the first and second elongated cutouts and between thefirst and second guide stops and the first and second Y-shaped cutouts.2. A hingeless ventilator as in claim 1, wherein said first uprightsleeve being connected to said inner surface of said frame by a firstupright extending from said inner surface of said frame in a directiongenerally perpendicular to said frame and disposed between saidopenings, said first upright sleeve being mounted over said firstupright; and said second upright sleeve being connected to said innersurface of said frame by a second upright extending from said innersurface of said frame in a direction generally perpendicular to saidframe and disposed between said openings, said second upright sleevebeing mounted over said second upright.
 3. A hingeless ventilator as inclaim 1, wherein said first exterior track surface includes a first apexsurface disposed between a first forward edge and a first rearward edgedisposed opposite said first forward edge, said two edges of said firstupright sleeve defining a shape that tapers toward said first apexsurface, each of said first forward edge and said first rearward edgedefining a plurality of indents.
 4. A hingeless ventilator as in claim3, wherein the spacing between the indents in the first forward edgediffers from the spacing between the indents in the first rearward edge.5. A hingeless ventilator, comprising: a frame defining an inner surfaceextending generally in a first plane and an outer surface disposedopposite said inner surface and extending generally in a second plane,said frame further defining a first opening through said inner and outersurfaces of said frame and a second opening through said inner and outersurfaces of said frame, said second opening being spaced apart from saidfirst opening, said outer surface of said frame defining a seating rimconfigured to surround said first and second openings and disposedgenerally in a third plane spaced apart from the second plane generallydefining said outer surface of said frame, said seating rim defining atleast one raised portion extending spaced apart a greater distance fromthe second plane generally defining said outer surface of said framethan the third plane where sections of said rim immediately contiguoussaid raised portion of said rim are disposed; a first upright extendingfrom said inner surface of said frame in a direction generallyperpendicular to the first plane of said frame and disposed between saidopenings and closer to said first opening than to said second opening,the first upright defining a generally triangularly shaped, first upperportion that is defined by a first outer edge, the first uprightdefining a first lower skirt portion that extends most of the entirewidth of the first opening of the frame, the first lower skirt portionbeing disposed beneath the first upper portion and defining a firstdetent opening through the first lower skirt portion; a second uprightextending from said inner surface of said frame in a direction generallyperpendicular to the first plane of said frame and disposed between saidopenings and closer to said second opening than to said first opening,said second upright being disposed spaced apart from and alongside saidfirst upright, the second upright defining a generally triangularlyshaped, second upper portion that is defined by a second outer edge, thesecond upright defining a second lower skirt portion that extends mostof the entire width of the second opening of the frame, the second lowerskirt portion being disposed beneath the second upper portion anddefining a second detent opening through the second lower skirt portion;a first upright sleeve defining an interior surface defining a hollowcavity that receives therein said first upright, said first uprightsleeve defining a first exterior track surface that includes a firstapex surface disposed between a first forward edge and a first rearwardedge disposed opposite said first forward edge, said two edges defininga shape that tapers toward said first apex surface, each of said firstforward edge and said first rearward edge defining a first lower indentdisposed closer to said frame than to said first apex surface, each ofsaid first forward edge and said first rearward edge defining a firstmiddle indent disposed between said first lower indent and said firstapex surface, the first upright sleeve defines a first upper section anda first base section that is disposed beneath and contiguous to thefirst upper section, the first base section of the first upright sleevedefines a first inner side and a first outer side opposite from thefirst inner side, the first outer side of the first base section of thefirst upright sleeve defines a first guide stop that extends in adirection that is normal to the first outer side of the first basesection of the first upright sleeve, the first inner side of the firstbase section of the first upright sleeve defines a first detent thatextends in a direction that is normal to the first inner side of thefirst base section of the first upright sleeve; a second upright sleevedefining an interior surface defining a hollow cavity that receivestherein said second upright, said second upright sleeve defining asecond exterior track surface that includes a second apex surfacedisposed between a second forward edge and a second rearward edgedisposed opposite said second forward edge, said two edges of saidsecond upright sleeve defining a shape that tapers toward said secondapex surface of said second upright sleeve, each of said second forwardedge and said second rearward edge defining a second lower indentdisposed closer to said frame than to said first apex surface, each ofsaid second forward edge and said second rearward edge defining a secondmiddle indent disposed between said second lower indent and said secondapex surface, the second upright sleeve defines a second upper sectionand a second base section that is disposed beneath and contiguous to thesecond upper section, the second base section of the second uprightsleeve defines a second inner side and a second outer side opposite fromthe second inner side, the second outer side of the second base sectionof the second upright sleeve defines a second guide stop that extends ina direction that is normal to the second outer side of the second basesection of the second upright sleeve, the second inner side of thesecond base section of the second upright sleeve defines a second detentthat extends in a direction that is normal to the second inner side ofthe second base section of the second upright sleeve; a door having agenerally planar inner surface disposed to face said outer surface ofsaid frame and configured to be selectively positionable to cover anduncover both said first and second openings, said door defining a lipsurrounding said generally planar inner surface of said door andextending generally perpendicularly to said generally planar innersurface of said door; a first door strut connected to said inner surfaceof said door in a direction generally perpendicular to the plane of saidinner surface of said door and extending through said first opening,said first door strut defining a first elongated cutout that elongatesin a direction perpendicular to said plane of said inner surface of saiddoor, said first door strut further defining a first larger cutout thatis disposed between the first elongated cutout and the inner surface ofsaid door, the first larger cutout defining a generally rectangularshaped portion disposed near the inner surface of said door, the firstlarger cutout defining a generally trapezoidal shaped portion adjoiningsaid rectangular shaped portion and having the base disposed closer tosaid first elongated cutout than to said rectangular shaped portion andwherein the base angles of said generally trapezoidal shaped portion areradiused, the first guide stop of the first upright sleeve is disposedto extend through the first larger cutout of the first door strut anddefines a guide surface that is configured with a shape resembling anisosceles triangle with a rounded apex that is configured to complementthe shape of the radiused base angles of the generally trapezoidalshaped portion of the first larger cutout of the first door strut; asecond door strut connected to said inner surface of said door in adirection generally perpendicular to the plane of said inner surface ofsaid door and extending through said second opening, said second doorstrut defining a second elongated cutout that elongates in a directionperpendicular to said plane of said inner surface of said door, saidsecond door strut further defining a second larger cutout that isdisposed between the second elongated cutout and the inner surface ofsaid door, the second larger cutout defining a generally rectangularshaped portion disposed near the inner surface of said door, the secondlarger cutout defining a generally trapezoidal shaped portion adjoiningsaid rectangular shaped portion and having the base disposed closer tosaid second elongated cutout than to said rectangular shaped portion andwherein the base angles of said generally trapezoidal shaped portion areradiused; a handle defining an upper body and a lower body, the distancebetween said lower body and said frame being less than the distancebetween said upper body and said frame, said upper body being configuredwith a gripping surface for the hand of an operator to manipulate themovement of the handle, said upper body being connected to said firstdoor strut and to said second door strut, said lower body defining afirst side and a second side disposed opposite said first side, saidlower body defining a hollow inner chamber disposed between said firstside and said second side, said first side defining an elongated firstslot communicating with said inner chamber, said first slot having afirst upper end and a first lower end disposed opposite said first upperend and such that said upper body is disposed farther from said firstlower end than from said first upper end, said second side defining anelongated second slot communicating with said inner chamber, said secondslot having a second upper end and a second lower end disposed oppositesaid second upper end and such that said upper body is disposed fartherfrom said second lower end than from said second upper end; an elongatedaxle having a first end and a second end disposed opposite said firstend, said axle being disposed to extend through said hollow innerchamber with said first end extending beyond said first side and saidsecond end extending beyond said second side, said first end of saidaxle being slideably held in said first elongated cutout of said firstdoor strut, said second end of said axle being slideably held in saidsecond elongated cutout of said second door strut; at least a firstspring disposed in said inner chamber so as to bias said axle towardsaid first and second lower ends of said respective first and secondslots defined through said respective first and second sides of saidlower body of said handle; a first roller rotatably mounted on said axleand disposed between said first end of said axle and said first side ofsaid lower body of said handle and being biased by said spring intocontacting said exterior track surface of said first upright sleeve; anda second roller rotatably mounted on said axle and disposed between saidsecond end of said axle and said second side of said lower body of saidhandle and being biased by said spring into contacting said exteriortrack surface of said second upright sleeve.
 6. A hingeless ventilatoras in claim 5, wherein: the first detent of the first upright sleeve isreceived within the first opening defined through the first lower skirtportion of the first upright so as to connect the first upright sleeveto the first upright.